Thank you, Minister, for your statement today. Flooding is one of the most frequent types of major disaster, and moreover it can be a particularly traumatic one. Numerous studies reveal significant increases in depression, anxiety and distress amongst those affected by flooding. It's also one that's affected many people in my constituency. I'm sure you'll remember that, last year, Aberdare was described as the town hardest hit by storm Callum, with roads closed, trains cancelled, one train having to be evacuated by the fire service after being caught in flood water, and—perhaps more importantly—residential and commercial properties being flooded as well. I certainly have assisted a number of residents who have attended my surgeries and shown those symptoms of trauma that families do experience after floods.

I welcome your comment about supporting schemes incorporating natural flood management, including at Cwmaman in my constituency. Schemes such as this can have a tremendous benefit, both to the ecosystem and protecting our green spaces as well as alleviating flooding. So, I would welcome some additional points if you'd be able to expand on that, and what could be done to engage with the local community as part of this work.

I also welcome your comments about working with local authorities. I note, as part of the RCTinvest programme, alleviation works have and will be carried out in Mountain Ash and Abercwmboi. However, I know previously that EU funding has been used to protect hundreds of properties across Rhondda Cynon Taf from the risk of flooding, and responding to storm Callum brought particular financial challenges both to the local authority and to Welsh Government, who then stepped in to give additional financial assistance. So, what long-term plan do you have to ensure that if we leave the EU there is not a funding gap moving forwards?

Finally, in light of your earlier statement on forestry, what role does afforestation have to play in preventing the risk of flooding?